Charles D. Posten
History of Arizona, Vol II, Thomas E. Farish, 1915, pg 190

Charles D. Posten was born in Hardin County Kentucky, 
April 20, 1825.  He was left motherless when twelve 
years of age and soon thereafter was placed in the 
County Clerk's office where he served an apprenticeship 
of seven years.  He was in the office of the Supreme 
Court of Tennessee at Nashville for the next three years 
where he studied law and was admitted to the bar.  Upon 
the annexation of California and the discovery of gold 
in that state, he decided to seek a home in that favored 
land, and upon his arrival in San Francisco was employed 
in the customhouse.  After the Gadsden purchase he came 
with an exploring party to Arizona.

In 1856 Mr. Posten returned to Arizona, provided with 
funds for prospecting and opening mines, which were 
furnished by a New York Company.  Afterwards he was 
transferred to the New York office when the civil war 
broke out.  Upon organization of the Territory in 1863 
he was appointed by President Lincoln Superintendent of 
Indian Affairs.  This office he held for about one year, 
when he was elected the first Delegate to Congress from 
Arizona.  At the conclusion of his term he made a tour 
of Europe. Before the inauguration of President Hayes, 
Mr. Posten was appointed by President Grant register of 
the U.S. Land Office at Arizona.

For some time prior to his demise, he lived in Phoenix 
where he died on June 24, 1902.

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